Four years in a Tacoma, a frustrating experience

I've kept up with traffic when test driving a 4 cylinder too, but had to wring the guts out of it at times. This didn't feel normal coming from a v8 tundra.

 

To be honest I haven't had to abuse the go petal as much on this tacoma, as I did on the tundra when needing to overtake a slower vehicle, so I can't understand why so many are whining about not enough power.

 

But it still goes, high RPMs are your friend.

 

ALL this you KNEW going into the purchase… only one to blame is the guy tou see in the mirror.

 

I appreciate posts like this and the discussion, and luckily for those that know about this site have TONS of reading material before/after a purchase. Basically boils down to what you’re using a mid-size truck for and obviously your size . Went from a 13’ to a 16’ and back to a 14’. My only complaints with the truck was the gear hunting as well as the common issues for a first year of a new Gen. 16’ also seemed to have a delay in the acceleration and then took off like it had a fire lit under its ass. Bad enough I went back to a Gen2. That said I have another on order and going to give it a shot again cause it’s a badass looking truck and a Toyota. Hopefully after 7yrs improvements will be noticeably better. Also best of luck OP I hope ya find something that makes ya smile ✌

 

It most definitely can, Im not saying do it but every pickup that hauls material for me is a one ton and way overloaded. No joke guy had a long bed tacoma and he treated it like a one ton, he would carry damn near a pallet of material or 3,000 pounds. Since the beds are composite he just laid plywood to help from tearing it up.

 

If you’re confused, it’s because your manual truck is geared lower in final drive ratio from the factory than the autos. 4.30 vs 3.90, with added ability to manually stay in powerband more easily. Apples and oranges. Be glad you have a manual!

 

Hmm, villain? I very much try to treat others respectfully here, despite some who are trolling pretty hard. I hope you read my posts accurately. I don’t fault anyone for loving the Tacoma. I don’t even dislike it, overall, per se. It is an excellent truck for many people. It just may not be for me despite my best attempts to live with and address certain shortcomings, as I see them. That has been a tough realization because it’s so close to being great. That’s all.

 

Serious question... Why did you post? What were your expectations? You realize this is an enthusiast site right?
Just curious.

 

I’m very happy to have a manual!
Only transmission I’ll drive.

I do understand what you are saying regarding the gear ratios. So let’s say a truck with 3.91 gear ratio will be running about 100 RPMs less than a truck with 4.30 gears. Does that make that much of a difference?

Also, I’m currently running 33s, so I lost some gearing. Well and I’ve got 650# of extra weight. Still have no issues with power whatsoever.

 

On a positive note, the Tacoma has both direct and port injection to keep the intake ports clean. I could be wrong, but a quick google search revealed that the Frontier, Ranger and Colorado only have direct injection. Glad not to have to worry about that piece of maintenance.

 

Maybe I should go get a compression and leak down test…

 

As far as I know it’s the only vehicle that uses both direct and port injection, unless Toyota uses it in other models. Someone please correct me if I’m wrong.

 

Ha!

Is yours a manual?

 

Perhaps you're confused because we don't do the same type of driving? You also have an MT..... mine is the "sled o matic" The truck lacks power unless you rev the piss from it. Just calling it for what it is my brother.... under powered. Not complaining about it, just stating the obvious. Peak torque is a dizzying 4500 rpm.
Every Toyota I've ever had was under powered, but I'm still buying them.

 

Im waiting for the ranger raptor and trading mine in

 

Fair enough.

Are you type of driver that’s always in a rush and trying to be first in line?

I just hang out in the right lane and watch everyone go around me, then I catch up to them at red lights. It’s hilarious.

 

What engine is in that bad boy?

 

No I'm a fairly defensive driver.....people do not drive well around here so I'm heads up. The interstate is like the wild west....if you ain't going 70-75 you'll get run off the road.